Celebrate Israel at 60, Sid Jacobson JCC, Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds, Wheatley Heights, (516)484-1545, www.sjjcc.org. A free and fun-filled family event. Visit the scenic wooded campgrounds of JCC camps and bring a picnic lunch. Enjoy an Israeli performance, hands-on activities, arts and crafts, cooking and more on 8/3 from 11am-2pm.

Metro NY Balloon & Music Festival, Brookhaven Calabro Airport, (516)794-4444, www.metroballoonfest.com. Each day between 6am and 8am and 6pm and 8pm, more than 30 colorful and special shape hot air balloons will be inflated. There will also be displays of mega-kites, monster truck rallies, motorcycle dare devil performances, extreme sports displays, skydivers, a carnival midway, musical performances and more 8/8, 8/9 and 8/10.

Children’s Consignment Event, The Kids Kloset, Deer Park, (631)838-7914 www.thekidskloset.com. Earn money in three days or less by selling your new and gently used children’s items. Shop from only the best in name brands and specialty shop items at great prices! Visit the Web site for details.

Pajama Yoga Night, Ohh La La Spa, Northport, (646)359-0026, www.oohlalaspas.com. Come dressed in your pajamas for a relaxing yoga class. Poses, games and a long aromatherapy foot massage prepare you for a great night’s sleep. Milk and cookies are served after class. For ages 7 and older starting on Wednesday, 8/6, at 6:30pm.

Free Play Session, My Gym Children’s Fitness Center, 1320 Stony Brook Road Stony Brook. My Gym Children’s Fitness Center hosts a free open house for kids to slide, climb, jump and play with their parents supervision. Gymnastics, sport skills and karate mini lessons, puppet shows and group games are held throughout the day! Come play for free on Friday, 8/22, 12-4pm, and Saturday, 8/23, 12:30-4:00pm.

The Laurie Berkner Band, Brookhaven Ampitheatre, Farmingvale, (631)451-8010. With appearances on numerous tv shows and a penchant for drawing large audiences, Laurie and her band are definitely a crowd pleaser. Performance is 8/2, 11am for this best-selling children’s band!

Puppet Club Series, Amagansett Commons gazebo, www.puppetclub.org. A free four-episode puppet series written by Blue Man Group Co-Founder Chris Wink. For children ages 3-10 years. Parents are also encouraged to attend and participate. The second series is held this month on Saturday mornings at 11am: 8/2, 8/9, 8/16 and 8/23.

High School Musical, Airport Playhouse, 218 Knickerbocker Ave., Bohemia, www.airportplayhouse.com. Disney’s hit musical as performed by members of the Airport Playhouse comes alive this month, starting 8/2. Log online for details.

Toddler Music Time, Borders Books, 68 Veterans Memorial Highway, Commack, (631)462-0569 and 2130 Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook, (631)979-0500. A free, interactive musical experience for ages 0-5 held respectively on 8/6 and 8/13, 10:30am.

Magic of Mark & Kym, www.nysparks.com. Experience a magic show of illusionary wonder with the Magic of Mark & Kym as presented by the Children’s Summer Theatre program at Long Island State Parks. See Mark and Kym on 8/3, 2pm, at Orient Beach; on 8/9, 7pm, at Wildwood; and 8/17, 3pm, at Caumsett.

Shakespeare in the Park, various locations, www.nysparks.com. William Shakespeare’s classic comedy Twelfth Night is performed in a park near you. Bring chairs or blankets for seating.
Held at Caumsett State Historic Park on 8/9 and 8/10, and Bayard Cutting Arboretum on 8/23 and 8/24. Shows are 5:30pm.

Broadway Summer Experience, Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Drive, East Hills, (516)484-1545, skalman@sjjcc.org, www.sjjcc.org. Sid Jacobson JCC teams up with A Class Act Acting Studio to offer a one-week Broadway Summer Camp. Campers take workshops with Broadway stars and Class Act staff in musical theatre, dance, acting, voice training, improvisation, stage combat, stage makeup and more. For ages 7 -16 from 8/25-8/29, 9:30am-5:30pm.

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Go Out and Play, The Ward Melville Heritage Organization, 111 Main St., Stony Brook, (631)751-2244, www.wmho.org. A sketching workshop for children ages 10-13. Children draw scenes from Stony Brook Village. Reservations are required for the activities held on 8/6 and 8/7.

Science Programs, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, (631)344-2651, www.bnl.org. Children ages 10 and older may experience a variety of programs this month. Track storms and learn about hurricane preparedness at the National Weather Service program on 8/3. Explore the nanoscale with Center for Functional Nanomaterials on 8/10. Learn about ions with Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider on 8/17.

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2008 Sandcastle Contest, Hither Hills State Park, (631)668-2554. Participants may only use items native to the beach, including sand, water and natural materials. Register the day of the competition of your choice between 9:30 and 10:30am. On Thursdays through 8/28.

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ADD/ADHD Workshop, New Life Chiropractic, 323 Middle Country Road, Smithtown, (631)265-1223, www.newlifechiropractic.com. Discover how chiropractic neurology can help restore brain balance without medication. Join Dr. Keri Chiappino for a free, informative workshop. Seating is limited. Call for reservations.

Afterschool Recreation Programs for Children with Special Needs, Suffolk Y JCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack, (631)462-9800. Programs are available through next June, Monday-Thursday, 3:30-6pm and Friday, 3:30-5:30pm. Activities include a snack, homework help, crafts, group games, gym activities and swimming. Call for information.

Anger Management/Social Skills Fun Clubs, Kid Esteem, 411-A Lexington Ave., West Babylon, (631)321-6675. Anger Management, Girl Power, Making Friends, Power of Boys, ADHD Brain Power classes now forming. These groups offer a creative, fun approach to social skills, emotional growth and self-esteem for children ages 4-13 and their parents. Call to register.

Babies and Bagels, Bellmore Jewish Center, 2550 S. Centre Ave., Bellmore, (516)781-3072. Join this informal playgroup for infants, toddlers, their parents and caregivers. Thursdays, 9:30-11am.

Banjo Music, Long Island Banjo Society, VFW Hall, 270 Trouville, Copiague, (516)889-2184, www.libanjosociety.org. Listen, sing and dance to banjo music every Friday night with the Long Island Banjo Society, a non-profit organization that has been making music for more than 40 years. All banjo players, beginning to professional, are invited to attend and play along. Call for more information about getting your banjo on!

Bereavement Support Groups, Good Shepherd Hospice, various locations (631)821-2255. At 4747-20 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson during afternoons: Spouse/Partner Loss, ages 55 and older; Children’s bereavement support, ages 5-12; Spouse/Partner Loss ages 55 and younger. At Danfords on the Sound during evenings: Spouse/Partner Loss, age 55 and older. Pre registration is required for all groups. Call for more information.

Bodies in Motion, Hot Shots Xtremes Gymnastics Center (second floor), 127B E. Carmens Rd., Farmingdale, (631)249-3127/(631)249-3126. This therapeutic movement group is a fun learning environment for children who need that extra special attention to promote coordination, fine motor skills, strength, balance and more.

Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Group, The Suffolk Y JCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack, (631)462-9800, ext. 129. This support group is for women who have been diagnosed, are in treatment or are survivors of breast and/or ovarian cancer. Share your feelings, fears, frustrations and hope with others. Held on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 7:15-8:45pm. Free.

Breast Cancer Support Groups, Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program, most groups held at the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program, School of Social Work, Adelphi University in Garden City, offices: (516)877-4314, hotline: (800)877-8077, www.adelphi.edu/nysbreastcancer. This program runs a 24/7 hotline staffed by trained volunteers who have had breast cancer. Individual, group and telephone counseling are available. Group now forming: For Women in Suffolk County, an eight-week group for women with breast cancer. Pre-registration required. Call to find out about more groups, including those for couples, teens and men with breast cancer.

Caregiver Support Group, Day Haven Adult Day Services, 2210 Smithtown Ave., Ronkonkoma, (631)585-2020, www.dayhaven.org. This services center holds free monthly groups for family caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. Groups offer emotional support and practical advice for those aiding a frail loved one or someone with memory loss. Free, on-site, professional care available for frail older adults and those with Alzheimer’s during meetings. Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month, 6-7:30pm. Call to find out more about services, including those for spoises, and other meeting locations.

Children’s Bereavement Program, Hospice Care Network, 99 Sunnyside Blvd., Woodbury. The Hospice Care Network is one of the largest hospice organizations in New York State with offices in Woodbury, Bay Shore and Fresh Meadows, Queens. It’s open to boys and girls between the ages of 5-14, in grades k-9, who are expecting the death of someone they love and are in need of support. If you know a child you could benefit from this program, contact Mary Gravina in Counseling Services at (631)666-6863.

Children’s Support Group, The Pederson-Krag Center, 11 Route 111, Smithtown, www.pederson-krag.org. Mondays, 6-7:30pm. Log online for more information.

Children & Teen Anger Management Workshops, Sunshine Prevention Center for Youth and Families, (631)476-3099. Give your child tools and skills for dealing with and expressing anger in a more positive way. Age-appropriate workshops.

Compassionate Friends, Plainview, (718)767-0904. A nonprofit self-help bereavement group for parents who have experienced the death of a child, from any cause, at any age. The group meets the third Friday of every month, evenings. For more information please call Marlene Ripka.

Cystic Fibrosis Support Group, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach, (631)580-6075. For parents of children with cystic fibrosis. Meets the third Monday of each month, 7-8pm. Contact Hilary Fuslo at the listed number with any questions.

Host an Exchange Student, ASSE International, (800)677-2773, www.asse.com. This non-profit organization is looking for volunteer families in this area to host high school exchange students from around the world. Host who welcome students into their homes are asked to provide room, board and guidance for the student during his or her stay. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience a foreign culture-right at home! Call or visit the Web site for more information.

Life Coaching for Your Health and Well-Being, Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center, 300 Forest Drive, East Hills, (516)484-1545, www.sjjcc.org. Are you struggling with health related issues such as fitness and wellness, weight management, healthy eating and/or stress? Learn to become the master of your own well-being on 7/15, 7pm or 7/17, 1pm. Free informational meeting.

Low Glycemic Lifestyle, New Life Chiropractic, 323 Middle Country Road., Smithtown, (631)265-1223, www.newlifechiropractic.com. Learn how to begin to lose weight, improve your overall health, and gain more energy through this discussion on 8/25, 7:15-8pm.

Mindful Parenting Class, Dipamkara Meditation Center, 274A New York Ave., Huntington, (631)692-9594. Learn how meditation can help with the everyday challenges of raising children with Buddhist Teacher Sharon Lovich. Free children’s class available for ages 2 and older during class (call ahead if bringing child). Wednesdays, 10-11:30am.

Mommy ’N’ Me, The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills, (631)351-8672. Enjoy circle time, songs, parachute fun, bubbles and lots of laughs with your little one at this well-respected program. Ages 9 months to 2 years: Wednesdays, 9:45-10:45am.

Mommy and Me with a Jewish Twist, Jewish Academy, Early Childhood Discovery Center, 178 Cedar Road, East Northport, (631)368-2600, www.thejewishacademy.com. This fantastic Mom and toddler program gives moms and their tots the opportunity to play, create and socialize in a Jewish environment. Ages 1-3 are invited, and snacks will be provided. Thursday and Fridays, 10-11am.

Mommy and Me Classes, Midshore Mothers’ Center, 3606 Lufberry Ave., Wantagh (located in the Church of St. Jude), (516) 679-4641, www.midshoremotherscenter.org. Registration is underway for the spring session of the Midshore Mothers’ Center’s Mommy and Me Program. Mommy and Me is an interactive play program, with classes available for children from ages 6 months through preschool. Partial and total separation classes are offered for children ages 2½ and older. Sibling childcare is available during class times.

Moms Club of the Islips, (641)715-3900 ext. 89046, Islips_moms_club@yahoo.com. Looking for friendships for both you and your little one(s)? You’ve found the right group. This chapter of the Moms Club is open to stay-at-home/part-time moms living between West Islip and Sayville. Theclub offers playdates at parks, beaches, homes and fun places. Monthly Moms Night Out is a favorite. Monthly meetings are held the first Friday of each month at the West Islip Library. For more information, leave a message on the voicemail system at the number listed or e-mail the address listed.

MOMS Club of Western Brookhaven, (631)468-2991. The MOMS Club of Western Brookhaven is a chapter of MOMS Club International. It’s a support group for stay-at-home moms and those who work part time. The group meets for playgroups at local parks and goes on field trips. There is a monthly calendar of events.

MOMS Club of Western Suffolk, (631)226-0145, e-mail moms.club.1@hotmail.com. Are you a new Mom looking for support or things to do with your little one? The MOMS Club of Western Suffolk is a local chapter of MOMS Club International. It’s a support group for stay-at-home moms and those who work part-time. The monthly events calendar includes play dates, recipe swaps, guest speakers, MOMS night outs, and field trips. Most events are free or low cost. A monthly meeting is held at the Lindenhurst Library.

Mom’s Discussion Groups, Midshore Mothers’ Center, 3606 Lufberry Ave., Wantagh (located in the Church of St. Jude), (516) 679-4641, www.midshoremotherscenter.org. Discussion groups are being formed for new center members where moms can share the joys and challenges of motherhood, in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Daytime and evening groups are available. Childcare is provided during daytime groups. Call for more information on the discussion groups and the other center offerings.

Parents of Teens Support Group, Sunshine Prevention Center for Youth & Families, 468 Boyle Rd., Port Jefferson Station, (631)476-3099, www.sunshinepreventionctr.org. Join other parents of teenagers to gain support during this difficult time in your teen’s life. A variety of topics will be discussed in the bimonthly meetings. Ongoing registration.

Parent Group, The Pederson-Krag Center, 11 Route 111, Smithtown, www.pederson-krag.org. Mondays, 6-7:30pm. Log online for more information.

Pederson Krag Post Adoption Support Programs, 11 Route 111, Smithtown, (631)920-8302. Workshops are available that address social skills for parents, kids and teens, family social activities, book clubs, traumatized children and parent support groups. Call for dates, times and more information.

Power Yoga, Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center, 300 Forest Drive, East Hills, (516)484-1545, www.sjjcc.org. Power Yoga is characterized by the practice of a series of Yoga poses without stopping. This is a more rigorous style and provides a full body workout while increasing mental stamina and discipline. Seven sessions, which started in Jily and run from 10-11:30am.

Support Groups, 35 Crooked Hill Road, Commack, (631)499-3343, www.counseling4today.com. Targeted to the special needs population, these groups and individual counseling options are available for children with Autism Spectrum disorders, ADHD, and anxiety disorders and their concerned families. Find the most current schedules and information at the Web site, or call the number listed above.

Social Skills/Anger Management Fun Clubs, Kid Esteem, Inc., 411-A Lexington Ave., West Babylon, (631)321-6675. Different workshops for children ages 4-13 and parents available. Offer a fun, creative approach to social skills, eotional growth and self-esteem. Call to register.

Sunshine Prevention Center for Youth and Families, 468 Boyle Road, Port Jefferson Station, (631)476-3099, www.sunshinepreventionctr.org. Fall registration is open for a variety of workshops in social skills building, children and teen anger management programs, teen support groups and leadership programs, counseling and support. Call for more information.

Support Group, Western Suffolk Psychological Services, 755 New York Ave., Suite 200, Huntington, (631)271-2999. Free ongoing support/discussion group for parents of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, Tourette Syndrome or other spectrum disorders meets each month.